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The ShortListen: School of Seven Bells (no. 201)

What’s the story? Never mind the John Lewis advert, if you can get through this song without shedding a few tears then you're a stronger being than we are. New York act School of Seven Bells were originally a trio, formed in 2007, featuring Benjamin Curtis together with sisters Alejandra Deheza and Claudia Deheza. The latter left the band in 2010 and in 2013, Curtis sadly passed away from cancer. Alejandra has now used parts recorded by him before his death to put together what will be the band's final album, their fourth, entitled SVIIB and to be released next year. This song, the first to be revealed from it, is a masterclass in dream pop; swelling synths, big drums and breathy vocals. Given the scenario, lines like, "Open your eyes love, you've got me crying" are enough to make anyone break down. Like the greatest music: gloriously sad yet uplifting.